Hi,
I don't have a wide choice of tubs where I live. I've short-listed my tub choices to two and having trouble deciding which to go for.
The first one is an Ariston steel bathtub. A heavy gauge variety is available, which seems more durable than the regular one. The other choice is a Chinese bathtub made of cast iron. The brand is Palazzo and it's a division of New Zhong Yuan Ceramics. The shopkeeper says it's a premium Chinese brand, but I remain a little skeptical about the quality. They do produce a lot of units, but that doesn't ensure quality?
I noticed one interesting thing, though. The porcelain coating of the Chinese tub is very shiny compared to the Ariston's. Does that mean the coating quality is better/longer lasting? Do steel and cast iron tubs use different types of porcelain coating in general?
Another problem with the cast iron tub is that they only have the display model for sell, one that has been laying in the shop for a while (maybe 2 years) and have become a little dirty. They have kept boxes and fiberglass tubs over it and I'm afraid that the lack of care might have damaged it somehow. But if it's really good, maybe a good cleaning would make it as good as new? On the other hand, the Ariston sales person said they can give me a brand new unit from their warehouse.
I guess my main weakness for that Chinese tub is its glaze/luster. Another point is that it's two inches wider than the Ariston. Once I install the tub, it's likely to stay for many years and I want to make the best decision. It's funny how much I've been thinking over it for a considerable time. I probably have to make the final decision within this week. I'll be grateful if you can provide some valuable advice!
I don't have a wide choice of tubs where I live. I've short-listed my tub choices to two and having trouble deciding which to go for.
The first one is an Ariston steel bathtub. A heavy gauge variety is available, which seems more durable than the regular one. The other choice is a Chinese bathtub made of cast iron. The brand is Palazzo and it's a division of New Zhong Yuan Ceramics. The shopkeeper says it's a premium Chinese brand, but I remain a little skeptical about the quality. They do produce a lot of units, but that doesn't ensure quality?
I noticed one interesting thing, though. The porcelain coating of the Chinese tub is very shiny compared to the Ariston's. Does that mean the coating quality is better/longer lasting? Do steel and cast iron tubs use different types of porcelain coating in general?
Another problem with the cast iron tub is that they only have the display model for sell, one that has been laying in the shop for a while (maybe 2 years) and have become a little dirty. They have kept boxes and fiberglass tubs over it and I'm afraid that the lack of care might have damaged it somehow. But if it's really good, maybe a good cleaning would make it as good as new? On the other hand, the Ariston sales person said they can give me a brand new unit from their warehouse.
I guess my main weakness for that Chinese tub is its glaze/luster. Another point is that it's two inches wider than the Ariston. Once I install the tub, it's likely to stay for many years and I want to make the best decision. It's funny how much I've been thinking over it for a considerable time. I probably have to make the final decision within this week. I'll be grateful if you can provide some valuable advice!
) which may partly be why the finish of the ariston has a slightly matt finish. You could get a specialist to apply a gloss coat to this prior to installation.